Observations on handling different kukris

[Scara]

So I'll admit that I haven't done much practical work with my kukris, but I've been trying them out, different swings, strikes and such. And I'm coming to some interesting conclusions about how individual kukris like to be handled, at least how my individual kukris handle.

WWII (18" Lachhu): this one for me likes to be held with the blade of the palm down against the pommel flare. It has a distinct preference for punching style blows such as the thrust as well as right hooks. One particularly interesting thing that it likes is to roll the wrist and arm outward and up, ending up as a strike from the southeast (I'm using the octagon of striking angles here, but not using the number system, I can never remember how it goes, and cardinal directions seem to work well). This particular strike results in a surprising amount of penetration even with a a very short run-up into the strike. Another interesting detail is that the WWII has a preference for chopping thrusts over plain stabbing thrusts. It doesn't much care for overhead strikes.

Overall it seems to prefer to be handled at a moderately fast pace due to its weight and momentum.

Sirupati (18" Lachhu): this one has a preference for being held choked up by the bolster. It seems to prefer swinging strikes from the SW, W, and NW, though I'm finding that with practice it likes strikes from almost any angle, except the SE. The rolled wrist strike my WWII likes doesn't really work with it. It also prefers straight thrusts to the chopping thrusts of the WWII.

This one prefers to move quickly owing to its lighter weight.



So what about y'all and y'alls kukris?

 

[Howard Wallace]

Listening is a good way to learn. What one blade tells one body may not be the same as what it tells another.

 

[Shavru]

I always take my blades and figure out the probable uses for them based on weight, length, amount of bend ect. Then actually swing them a lot and re-evaluate almost everytime as the blade tells me what it is best for in my hands with my style LOL. You are definately on the same path as myself (and in agreement with Howard's comment) about having each blade explain how best to use it. That knowledge can then be used to extrapolated to new khuks to be purchased (until they are in hand) so you get the best chance of the blade that fits the task you envision for it. plus, isn't it just a whole lot of fun to actually swing them and enjoy using them?